RAPID RIVER - Donald "Jack" LaFond, 81, of 7597 Idlewood 15.5 Lane, Rapid River, passed away Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at the Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers where he had been a patient for the past three months.

Donald was born Feb. 7, 1928, in Gladstone the son of Willard and Marceline (Archambeau) LaFond. Jack was raised in Gladstone and he was a 1946 graduate of the Gladstone High School.

Following graduation, Jack served his country in the United States Navy until his honorable discharge in 1948.

Jack was united in marriage to the former Mary Lou "Koko" Bratonia on Oct. 7, 1950, at the All Saints Church in Gladstone. They made their home in Gladstone and Rapid River.

Jack was employed by the Soo Line Railroad of which he retired from after working for 30 years.

Jack was a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church in Rapid River, the Gladstone American Legion Post 71, Gladstone Golf Club and a previous member of the Rapid River Lions Club.

His hobbies included golfing, fishing and he especially enjoyed traveling with his wife Koko.

In addition to his wife, Mary "Koko," survivors include two daughters, Kristen (Dennis) Nelson of Humble, Texas, and Jackie (Terry) Mott of Orange Park, Fla.; daughter-in-law, LuAnn Calcatera of Norway; two sisters, Nancy (Bob) Provo of Rapid River, and Shirley Johnston of Lansing; two brothers-in-law, Dennis (Mary) Bratonia, Jim (Abie) LaLonde, both of Gladstone; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his son, Mark LaFond; sister, Lois Camps; and two brothers-in-law, Jim and Francis Bratonia.

According to Jack's wishes, private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Rapid River with Rev. Fr. Jacek Wtyklo officiating.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jack may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association. Envelopes may be picked up at the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes in Escanaba and Gladstone.

The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.skradski-boycefuneralhomes.com where you can express your sympathy to the LaFond family, or to leave a memory tribute about Jack.